Free speech in Russia? Ask these punk rock girls.

posted at 5:01 pm on July 21, 2012 by Jazz Shaw

As far as Russia goes, we “tore down that wall.” And the Russians have been occasionally putting on public entertainment spectacles which, on the surface, bear some resemblance to elections. So is freedom ringing in the home of our old cold war nemesis? Freedom of speech doesn’t seem to be, particularly if you’re a member of a certain punk rock band, the name of which I won’t type in here myself.

Three members of female punk group Pussy Riot who derided President Vladimir Putin in a protest in Moscow’s main cathedral had their spell in jail extended by six months on Friday in what their lawyers called a show trial dictated by the Kremlin.

The women, who have been held in pre-trial custody for almost five months, face up to seven years in jail on charges of hooliganism for storming the altar in multi-coloured masks to sing a “punk prayer” to the Virgin Mary to “Throw Putin Out!”

For the time being, I’m just going to assume they really like cats. Who doesn’t like cats?

The original actions of the band members were undoubtedly offensive to some of the Russians in the cathedral – and obviously to the government as well – but the resulting punishment should come as a shock to most Americans. They’ve already spent more time behind bars before even getting a full trial than anyone in the US would get as full punishment for something like this. And I have a feeling that Putin’s folks are far less upset about the sacrilegious nature of the protest than the message they were putting out.

Putin is still holding Russia in an iron grip, either directly or through his puppets. And while they put on a pretty good show for the international media, not much has changed in terms of day to day life for regular Russian citizens. (Though for the well heeled and politically well connected, there are some millionaires being made these days.) But freedom of speech? I’m afraid that’s still a fantasy for Russians.

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For the time being, I’m just going to assume they really like cats. Who doesn’t like cats?

Like AllahPundit and his cats?
Punk rock had always been a vehicle for a loud and raucous way of saying the government sucks. Most just can’t understand what they are saying or they are getting their azzes handed to them in the mosh pit.

And I have a feeling that Putin’s folks are far less upset about the sacrilegious nature of the protest than the message they were putting out.

Pussy Riot’s brazen act was part of a protest movement against Putin’s 12-year dominance of Russia that at its peak saw 100,000 people take part in winter demonstrations in Moscow.

What about the other 100,000 people who demonstrated? I imagine the anti-Putin message they were pushing doesn’t help their case, but if that was the primary reason for their trouble wouldn’t we be seeing thousands in jail rather than three?

They did this in a cathedral and Putin is using the understandable outrage to his own political advantage. Russia is not a free country, but 100,000 were allowed to protest and so could these three.

And I have a feeling that Putin’s folks are far less upset about the sacrilegious nature of the protest than the message they were putting out.

Putty Riot’s brazen act was part of a protest movement against Putin’s 12-year dominance of Russia that at its peak saw 100,000 people take part in winter demonstrations in Moscow.

What about the other 100,000 people who demonstrated? I imagine the anti-Putin message they were pushing doesn’t help their case, but if that was the primary reason for their trouble wouldn’t we be seeing thousands in jail rather than three?

They did this in a cathedral and Putin is using the understandable outrage to his own political advantage. Russia is not a free country, but 100,000 were allowed to protest and so could these three.

The U.S. ambassador to Russia was back at it again Thursday on Twitter with questions about how Russian media gets hold of his schedule, raising broader concerns about surveillance during a time of tension between Washington and Moscow.

Punk rock had always been a vehicle for a loud and raucous way of saying the government sucks. Most just can’t understand what they are saying or they are getting their azzes handed to them in the mosh pit.

What about the other 100,000 people who demonstrated? I imagine the anti-Putin message they were pushing doesn’t help their case, but if that was the primary reason for their trouble wouldn’t we be seeing thousands in jail rather than three?

They did this in a cathedral and Putin is using the understandable outrage to his own political advantage. Russia is not a free country, but 100,000 were allowed to protest and so could these three.

Punk rock had always been a vehicle for a loud and raucous way of saying the government sucks. Most just can’t understand what they are saying or they are getting their azzes handed to them in the mosh pit.

Never heard of those guys. I do like alot of stuff… Godsmack and STP are a few of my favorites.

Godsmack and STP are alternative music. Good music but not punk. Black Flag is a hardcore punk band fronted by Henry Rollins.

I could care less what political ideaology someone has as long as their music is good. Everyone has a right to their opinion even if it’s wrong. That’s how I can listen to the Dixie Chicks while rolling my eyes at their politics.

Alice in Chains came on the scene 20+ years ago and they are still played. Godsmack, what, early 2000, and crickets

You have to love the USA…news from mother Russia says they continue to be under the boot of the KGB and we’re discussing who’s music is punkier.
I love my country!

AllahsNippleHair on July 21, 2012 at 5:58 PM

I hear ya!

Punk rock though?? Do you seriously like that garbage? LOL

LevinFan on July 21, 2012 at 6:00 PM

Yep. My first concert, Circle Jerks.
I like all music except cRap and only limited country.
My iPod is a schizo mix of classical and punk, grunge, early 70′s, big 80′s.
And, yeah, I like Godsmack, but it’s not punk and I like Alice in Chains better.

Yep. My first concert, Circle Jerks.
I like all music except cRap and only limited country.
My iPod is a schizo mix of classical and punk, grunge, early 70′s, big 80′s.
And, yeah, I like Godsmack, but it’s not punk and I like Alice in Chains better.

Yep. My first concert, Circle Jerks.
I like all music except cRap and only limited country.
My iPod is a schizo mix of classical and punk, grunge, early 70′s, big 80′s.
And, yeah, I like Godsmack, but it’s not punk and I like Alice in Chains better.

AllahsNippleHair on July 21, 2012 at 6:05 PM

The Exploited > Circle Jerks

Oh and punks don’t use ipods…

ClassicCon on July 21, 2012 at 6:15 PM

Are you calling me a poseur?
I like the Exploited, DK, etc. whatever.
My rock wheel and razor set up doesn’t work anymore, I have to use the iPod.

Not saying it’s right, but if you were smoking or spouting conservative speak, you might get arrested.
Just saying they didn’t get 6 months in jail.
AllahsNippleHair on July 21, 2012 at 6:24 PM

Would have made sense if they did this protest at a political meeting instead of disrupting a church service. Bad PR, if nothing else.

whatcat on July 21, 2012 at 6:28 PM

No doubt. But, doing it in a church, they knew they wouldn’t be shot in the head. Christians are good people, they won’t accidently slip you an isotope in your tea.
I don’t like it, but they knew they would be safe.

Oh I like this conversation! These girls make pretty terrible music. But hey, that IS kinda punk. Although I prefer mine with some semblance of actually musical ability.
Boomer_Sooner on July 21, 2012 at 6:38 PM

It’s more something like “performance art” than music. For something touching on punk girl’s music you’d have to look elsewhere, e.g. “Snatch-IRT”.

Are you calling me a poseur?
I like the Exploited, DK, etc. whatever.
My rock wheel and razor set up doesn’t work anymore, I have to use the iPod.
AllahsNippleHair on July 21, 2012 at 6:22 PM
I am calling you a poseur…but in total jest. I am the same way…just glad that there is someone on here that doesn’t listen to Lee Greenwood 24/7.
ClassicCon on July 21, 2012 at 6:27 PM

Meh, if your fav band ever got paid for a gig, then they aren’t punk.
The phrase “sell-out” means something right? And if you are going to use that metric you should be fully on board with BHO’s income tax plans.
Difficultas_Est_Imperium on July 21, 2012 at 6:49 PM

Best punk rock album ever. For a conservative, if you can get past and ignore the substance(again, they’re Canadian leftists) this record will rock your socks off if you’re into rock with a lot of energy.

My band was invited to play Skate Fest last year in Moscow but it fell through. I was kind of relieved to be honest.

jawkneemusic on July 21, 2012 at 6:34 PM

You missed nothing, the Russian mafia prey on American’s and all other tourists too. Don’t believe the hype and pretty pictures you see of the place.

JPeterman on July 21, 2012 at 6:59 PM

I felt that after the collapse of the soviet union, we should have put a boot heel on the ashes. But, like those losers that whistfully praise Che, we didn’t realize a money grubbing Russia could be just as dangerous.

I’m right there with you. But I listen to everything. I might jump from Nofx, to the temptations, back to Taylor Swift, then on to muddy waters. In every genre, there’s a handful of people who do it great, artists, and then a ton of crap. I try to ignore the rest when possible. Authenticity is always the key.

That’s what I was afraid of. It seemed kinda sketchy from the get go. Was pretty happy, in a weird way, that it didn’t work out.

jawkneemusic on July 21, 2012 at 7:05 PM

My brother and I hitched a freighter from Estonia to St.Petersburg and planned to stay there and hike around the country for at least a week. We left after a day and a half and hitched a ride with truck driver back into Finland.

My brother and I hitched a freighter from Estonia to St.Petersburg and planned to stay there and hike around the country for at least a week. We left after a day and a half and hitched a ride with truck driver back into Finland.
JPeterman on July 21, 2012 at 7:15 PM

Wow, now I am really happy it didn’t work out. Ha, we did a mainland Europe and UK tour last Sept. It was a blast. Spain was by far the best place to play. We opened for a punk band on Fat Wreck Chords called the Flatliners at some bar in Barcelona. For never having played in Spain before, it was awesome that people new us and actually came out to the shows. Some of the best shows we have had. Even better than many here in the US.